RANGE ROVER

RANGE ROVER, upload feito originalmente por ANATOLI AXELROD.

Third generation BMW's 4x4 flagship
In 2002 the third generation model was introduced which saw the model move further up-market. Initially planned and developed under BMW ownership, the new generation was planned as an AWD flagship accompaniment to the E65 7 Series saloon, sharing many components and systems (electronics, core power units etc), and initially packaged to accommodate BMW's coming V8D and V12 power units as future range-topping models, to complement their own X5 model, a smaller, more sporting SUV.

In a concerted effort to improve the Range Rover's on road competence, ride and handling, and at the same time to achieve more predictable crash performance, it was decided to adopt a monocoque (unibody) construction and at the same time to move to 4-wheel independent air suspension. Air suspension allowed variable ride height to suit on and off-road conditions, and the crosslinking of the suspension elements achieved similar axle articulation to that available with the previous live axled generations. This was important to retain the off road excellence and the desired on-road improvements that were core to the marketing position of the new product.[4] [5] [6]

By the time of the launch, Land Rover was had been sold to Ford, after they purchased from BMW in 2000, as part of the splitting up of the Rover Group. As a result, these further engine derivatives were not included in the sale.

The initial years of Range Rover production came with the BMW M62 V8 petrol with 282 bhp (210 kW) and 6-cylinder diesel engines, although only the V8 gasoline was offered in North America.


Jaguar-based V8 power units

Conscious of the need for more power to keep up with the Range Rover's competitors, and reluctant to keep relying on BMW for power plants, Ford presided over the adaptation of engines from Jaguar (also Ford-owned) for Land Rover use. A 4.4-litre, 305 hp (227 kW) version of the Jaguar 4.2-litre V8 was developed and first used in the new 2005 Discovery/LR3 model, temporarily giving it more power than the Range Rover. At the 2005 Detroit Motor Show, a major update of the Range Rover was unveiled, with the base model using the LR3/Discovery 3 engine, and a premium model using a supercharged version of the Jaguar 4.2-litre V8 developing 400 hp (300 kW)—the same engine slated for the new Range Rover Sport (the RRS model uses a detuned variant making a total of 389 bhp), scheduled for introduction about the same time (mid 2005) as the updated Range Rover.

Both engines are lightweight aluminium alloy units, with advanced torque-based engine management systems that, together with drive-by-wire throttle control and variable camshaft phasing (on the 4.4-litre version), continually adjust the engine to deliver optimum performance. Both the engines are specially adapted by Land Rover for better low speed torque characteristics (important in off-road driving), the ability to run at the extreme angles encountered off road, improved protection from dust and rocks, and improved sealing needed for wading.


Model year & facelift activity

The Range Rover's exterior was updated for 2006 along with the BMW V8 replaced with a Ford unit. The new engine choices were Jaguar's AJ-V8, with 4.4 L 300 hp (227 kW) or 4.2 L 400 hp (298 kW) supercharged variants. This new Range Rover was officially presented at the 2005 North American International Auto Show and released in summer 2005.

From the Diesel engine of the 2006 model (at this time still the BMW 6 cylinder unit) to the supercharged V8, the car could reach 60 mph (97 km/h) from 14.8 seconds or as little as 6.5 seconds and has a top speed from 110 mph (180 km/h) to approximately130 mph (210 km/h) (governed), respectively.

In addition to the engine change, the 2006 Range Rover is equipped with an updated "infotainment" system. This includes a touch screen with on and off-road navigation, radio, CD, Satellite Radio (US), telephone, rear view camera, a wireless video camera system and other additional features all accessed via the same user interface. The audio system is Harman Kardon Logic7 surround sound. Also available is a DVD rear seat entertainment which is fully integrated.

This system is linked by an industry-standard fibre optic network known as Media Oriented Systems Transport or MOST and an electronic network system known as CAN. A similar system is also used on Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover Sport.

Suppliers for the 2006 Range Rover's components include Continental Automotive for the complete cockpit module which incorporates the DENSO Corporation touch screen navigation unit. Continental also supply the centre console unit. Other suppliers include Alpine car audio for integrated head unit rear seat entertainment. Connaught Electronics Limited (CEL) provides the rear view camera (RVC) and wireless camera (VentureCam) systems and PTI telephone capabilities are provided by Nokia.

Most importantly the audio system is has been co-developed with Harmon Kardon. The premium offering gives a 720W, 14-speaker system and was the first OEM vehicle to use the discrete Logic 7 surround algorthim.

For 2007, all of the Range Rover's changes were mechanical or interior. On the inside, the hidden folding cup holder that popped out of the centre console in previous models was replaced by a simpler and more durable in-console design with sliding covers — similar in concept, but higher quality, to those in the Range Rover Sport. The ignition switch was moved from the lower-part of the centre console up to the dashboard, next to the steering wheel and the Range Rover received the Range Rover Sport / LR3's Terrain Response system as well as a redesigned four-wheel drive control panel. The handbrake is now electronic. Additionally, the seats differ from the old style, slightly resembling the new Range Rover Sport with cooling fans optional on the HSE and standard on the Supercharged. Heated seats are standard across the board and the premium seats from the BMW era are no longer available. The HVAC system was also updated with more vents and quieter operation. That, along with the acoustic laminated windscreen will lower driving noise. An increase in interior storage is mainly attributed to the new split-dual glovebox. And then in a return to original Range Rover styling, more wood inserts have been added to the doors and centre console. Mid-way through production of the 2007 model (around production date of January 2007) the style of the key was changed from the BMW design to Land Rover's current "switchblade" type.

The 3-litre BMW I6 diesel engine was replaced for 2007 with Ford's new 3.6 L AJD-V8. This engine develops 272 hp (203 kW), far more than the 177 hp (132 kW) of the previous engine, and so is better capable to deal with the weighty vehicle. Other changes for 2007 include better brakes, a revised suspension, and Land Rover's Terrain Response system. Supercharged Range Rovers will also use an electronic rear differential. The interior was also refined, with optional cooled front seats and more cargo capacity.